Iceland

The eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland caused massive disruption across Europe in the first half of 2010. I travelled there to learn more from local scientists about the impact global warming might have on future volcanic activity on the island. Recent research indicates that the vast glacier of Vatnajökull – which sits atop several large volcanoes – is shrinking, and scientists believe that this weight loss will reduce pressure on the earth’s surface. One possible result: underground magma production – and thus volcanic eruptions – may increase.